Why Hot Dog?
“Hot Dog!” is one of those joyful exclamations—like “Yahoo!” or “Yabba Dabba Doo!”—that bursts out when something great happens. It’s excited. It’s proud. It’s fun. And that’s exactly how we feel when the business owners we work with achieve their goals.
At Hot Dog Business Growth, we guide passionate entrepreneurs toward higher levels of success. The work is challenging, fulfilling, and yes—joyful. And when our clients hit their stride, when progress turns into momentum, and success becomes sustainable, we find ourselves grinning and saying, Hot Dog! We did it.
If you’re like most business owners, you’re all-in. You’re leaning hard into the daily grind, wearing too many hats, and spending too much time working in the business instead of on it. Somewhere along the way, the spark that made your business unique starts to flicker. You might wish for more hours in the day—or a few do-overs.
That’s where we come in.
Our job is to give you the tools, space, and perspective to step back, refocus, and build with intention. We help you increase your bandwidth, make better decisions, and grow your business without compromising on quality, values, or your sanity. We help you find that elusive work/life balance—and enjoy the ride along the way.
Because when you hit your goals and start living your business dream, you won’t just feel proud.
You’ll shout it out loud:
Hot Dog!
Helping to Develop Opportunities and Growth
Helping to Develop Opportunities and Growth
Joel Volk – My Journey
I created my first successful business at just 16 years old. After selling it seven years later, I took what I thought would be a temporary job at Mercury Document Imaging. That decision turned out to be one of the most pivotal of my life.
I quickly adapted to the world of document management technology and recognized its long-term potential. Within five years, I was promoted to General Manager—and soon after, I purchased the company. Over the next 36 years, I led Mercury through dramatic technological changes, multiple business pivots, and continuous innovation, ultimately transforming it into a cutting-edge, highly respected document technology firm.
In 2014, Mercury was honored as Xerox’s Partner of the Year, standing out among 1,440 other partners across the United States. From 2004 to 2018, we led the nation in Xerox Customer Service Excellence—a distinction I remain deeply proud of.
In 2018, Mercury was acquired by Visual Edge Technology, and I was retained as President during the three-year transition. Thanks to an exceptional team, Mercury continued to grow—even through the challenges of the pandemic.
In 2019, I launched Small BizCast, a bi-monthly podcast where I interview “Small Business Heroes” who generously share their stories and wisdom. The podcast has earned a loyal following and continues to grow steadily in reach and popularity.
In July 2021, having fulfilled my commitment to Visual Edge, I stepped away from Mercury to launch Hot Dog Business Growth—a counseling practice dedicated to helping business leaders reach their goals, grow their companies, and stay true to their values.
I live with my wife and our two dogs in beautiful Channel Islands Harbor, where I enjoy water sports, cycling, and Pilates. I stay active in the community and cherish a rich social life filled with lifelong friends—many of whom have been part of my journey since the very beginning.
I’m excited to work with you to help grow your business.
The Team
We’ve curated a group of expert consultants to support you and your business with whatever current or future challenges you need to overcome – from business dsruption, to process development, to conflict resolution.